Click the case name for better results:

Eyestorm Ltd v Hoptonacre Homes Ltd: CA 19 Dec 2007

The appellant had agreed to take leases on a development of the defendant, hoping to sell the apartments on at a profit. After difficulties, the appellant refused to complete, and the defendant forfeited the deposits. Held: Eyestorm’s appeal was dismissed. It had failed to show the breach of the contract by the defendant. Judges: Tuckey … Continue reading Eyestorm Ltd v Hoptonacre Homes Ltd: CA 19 Dec 2007

Paragon Finance Plc v Pender and Another: CA 27 Jun 2005

The defendants had purchased their property from the local authority with the support of a loan from the claimants. The defendants fell into arrears but now sought to resist possession on the basis that the claimant, in securitising their portfolio of mortgages, had lost the right to possession. The assignments had been left uncompleted. Held: … Continue reading Paragon Finance Plc v Pender and Another: CA 27 Jun 2005

Re Erskine 1948 Trust: ChD 29 Mar 2012

The trust was created in 1948, and provided gifts over, which had now failed. The court considered the construction of the term ‘stautory next of kin’. The possible beneficiaries claimed through being adopted, arguing that at the date of the last beneficary’s death, all impediments to inheritance by adopted children had been removed by statute. … Continue reading Re Erskine 1948 Trust: ChD 29 Mar 2012

University of East London Higher Education Corporation v London Borough of Barking and Dagenham and others: ChD 14 Dec 2004

The parties had litigated the sale of land free of restrictive covenants. Held: The rule that a party was entilted to its costs of defending an action under the Act for the discharge of a covenant at least as far as was necessary for it to have been able to establish whether it was proper … Continue reading University of East London Higher Education Corporation v London Borough of Barking and Dagenham and others: ChD 14 Dec 2004

Margerison v Bates and Another: ChD 30 May 2008

The court considered the construction of a restrictive covenant after the disappearance of the covenantee. The covenant required no additional building without the consent of the covenantee, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld. The term ‘vendor’ had been defined without including her successors in title. Held: The court considered the construction of the clause … Continue reading Margerison v Bates and Another: ChD 30 May 2008

Sargeant, and Sargeant v Macepark (Whittlebury) Limited: ChD 8 Jun 2004

The landlord granted the tenant a licence to make alterations to the property, but imposed conditions on the use to be made of the resulting premises. The tenant objected. Held: The landlord was entitled when granting consent to take into account possible adverse effects on his own business interests and was therefore able to impose … Continue reading Sargeant, and Sargeant v Macepark (Whittlebury) Limited: ChD 8 Jun 2004

Berrisford v Mexfield Housing Co-Operative Ltd: SC 9 Nov 2011

The tenant appealed against an order granting possession. The tenancy, being held of a mutual housing co-operative did not have security but was in a form restricting the landlord’s right to recover possession, and the tenant resisted saying that it was worded to create a lease for life (applying the LRB case). Held: The tenant’s … Continue reading Berrisford v Mexfield Housing Co-Operative Ltd: SC 9 Nov 2011

69 Marina, St Leonards-On-Sea, Freeholders of v Oram and Another: CA 8 Nov 2011

The parties disputed the liability on lessees to contribute to a service charge for maintenance of common parts of the building. The six tenants covenanted to pay a proper proportion of the landlord’s costs of meeting his repair obligations. The landlord executed repair after a water leak. Two tenants argued that the cost was too … Continue reading 69 Marina, St Leonards-On-Sea, Freeholders of v Oram and Another: CA 8 Nov 2011

University of East London Higher Education Corporation v London Borough of Barking and Dagenham and others: ChD 9 Dec 2004

The University wanted to sell land for development free of restrictive covenants. It had previously been in the ownership of both the servient and dominant land in respect of a restrictive covenant. The Borough contended that the restrictive covenants remained in effect. The University sought their discharge. Held: The Borough had owned the dominant and … Continue reading University of East London Higher Education Corporation v London Borough of Barking and Dagenham and others: ChD 9 Dec 2004

Regent Oil Co Ltd v JA Gregory (Hatch End) Ltd: CA 1966

No general distinction is to be drawn between the two types of mortgage and sub-mortgage. The court considered the practice for a mortgagor to attorn tenant to his mortgagee. The tenancy contained no covenants and was merely a device to give the mortgagee a right to obtain summary judgment for possession under the Small Tenements … Continue reading Regent Oil Co Ltd v JA Gregory (Hatch End) Ltd: CA 1966

Edlington Properties Ltd v J H Fenner and Co Ltd: QBD 20 Oct 2005

The landlord sought repayment of arrears of rent. The tenant sought to raise a set off which had arisen against the landlord’s predecessor arising from defects in the property they had constructed. Held: The tenant had no right of set off. Muscat established a right where the arrears had arisen during the prior to the … Continue reading Edlington Properties Ltd v J H Fenner and Co Ltd: QBD 20 Oct 2005

Forcelux Ltd v Binnie: CA 21 Oct 2009

Forcelux and Mr Binnie were the landlord and tenant of a flat in Lincoln. Under the lease, the tenant was obliged to pay ground rent and other charges. The lease contained a forfeiture provision in the event of non-payment of rent or charges. Mr Binnie fell into arrears and Forcelux obtained a default judgment against … Continue reading Forcelux Ltd v Binnie: CA 21 Oct 2009

Aribisala v St James’ Homes (Grosvenor Dock) Ltd: ChD 14 Mar 2008

The claimant contracted to buy two apartments from the defendant. The contract purported to exclude section 49. Judges: Floyd J Citations: [2008] EWHC 456 (Ch), Times 04-Apr-2008, [2008] 12 EG 96, [2009] 1 WLR 1089, [2008] 3 All ER 762, [2008] 19 EG 206, [2008] 2 EGLR 65 Links: Bailii Statutes: Law of Property Act … Continue reading Aribisala v St James’ Homes (Grosvenor Dock) Ltd: ChD 14 Mar 2008

Hyde Park Residence Ltd v Yelland, News Group Newspapers Ltd, News International Ltd, Murrell: CA 10 Feb 2000

The court considered a dispute about ownership and confidence in and copyright of of video tapes taken by Princess Diana before her death. Held: The courts have an inherent discretion to refuse to enforce of copyright. When assessing whether the copyright should be enforced the relevant issues would be ones arising from the work itself, … Continue reading Hyde Park Residence Ltd v Yelland, News Group Newspapers Ltd, News International Ltd, Murrell: CA 10 Feb 2000

Aribisala v St James Homes (Grosvenor Dock) Ltd: ChD 12 Jun 2007

The parties had agreed in a contract for the sale and purchase of land to exclude the application of section 49(2). The buyer had failed to comply with a notice to complete. Held: The parties cannot contract out of section 49(2). The particular issue has not previously been considered. The section had been enacted after … Continue reading Aribisala v St James Homes (Grosvenor Dock) Ltd: ChD 12 Jun 2007

Ofulue and Another v Bossert: CA 29 Jan 2008

The claimants appealed an order finding that the defendant had acquired their land by adverse possession. They said that the defendant had asserted in defence to possession proceedings that they were tenants, and that this contradicted an intent to deny the claimants’ title. Held: The appeal failed. A finding by the ECHR that a particular … Continue reading Ofulue and Another v Bossert: CA 29 Jan 2008

Stokes v Cambridge Corporation: LT 1961

The tribunal considered case concerned 5.1 ha of land with an assumption of planning permission for industrial development under Planning legislation. There was only one possible access over adjoining land in different ownership. Held: When determining the value of land compulsorily acquired by the Corporation, the Tribunal allowed for the fact that the landowner would … Continue reading Stokes v Cambridge Corporation: LT 1961

Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Ltd v Olympia Homes Limited, Hughes etc: ChD 17 Jun 2005

The claimant sought rectification of the land register. In a development deal, an option agreement had not been registered, and the land sold on. The land was required to allow the building of a roundabout necessary for the intended store. An application had been made for registration of the option, but requisitions had not been … Continue reading Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Ltd v Olympia Homes Limited, Hughes etc: ChD 17 Jun 2005

Scottish and Newcastle Plc v Lancashire Mortgage Corporation Ltd: CA 5 Jul 2007

The parties each had a charge over a property, and now disputed which had priority. The brewery appealed an order for rectification of the registers to reverse priority on the basis of an estoppel. The charge in their favour had been registered first, but the respondents charge was intended to secure finance to repay it … Continue reading Scottish and Newcastle Plc v Lancashire Mortgage Corporation Ltd: CA 5 Jul 2007

Barbados Trust Company Ltd v Bank of Zambia and Another: CA 27 Feb 2007

The creditor had assigned the debt, but without first giving the debtor defendant the necessary notice. A challenge was made to the ability of the assignee to bring the action, saying that the deed of trust appointed to circumvent the reluctance of the original creditors to sue was invalid without such consent since the assignment … Continue reading Barbados Trust Company Ltd v Bank of Zambia and Another: CA 27 Feb 2007

Meretz Investments Nv and Another v ACP Ltd and others: ChD 30 Jan 2006

The applicant challenged the exercise of a power of sale under a mortgage, saying that the mortgagee’s purposes included purposes not those under the mortgage. The parties had been involved in an attempted development of a penthouse. Held: The power was validly exercised. Provided the recovery of the sums for which the security was given … Continue reading Meretz Investments Nv and Another v ACP Ltd and others: ChD 30 Jan 2006

Shephard and others v Turner and Another: CA 23 Jan 2006

The appellants challenged the removal of a restrictive covenant on a neighbour’s house restricting further building on the land to allow further house in the garden. It was in a small close of houses all erected, and the covenant imposed, in 1952. It was in effect part of a building scheme. The tribunal had found … Continue reading Shephard and others v Turner and Another: CA 23 Jan 2006

Courtney Lodge Management Ltd v Blake and Others: CA 1 Jul 2004

The tenant appealed forfeiture proceedings for the failure sof subtenants to repair the property. Held: Section 146 notices which were to lead to forfeiture were required to give a reasonable time to comply with the notice. Judges: Sir Andrew Morritt VC, Chadwick, Sedley LJJ Citations: Times 15-Jul-2004, [2004] EWCA Civ 975 Links: Bailii Statutes: Law … Continue reading Courtney Lodge Management Ltd v Blake and Others: CA 1 Jul 2004

Akici v LR Butlin Ltd: CA 2 Nov 2005

The tenant appealed against forfeiture of his lease for breach of a qualified covenant against assignment. It was said that the tenant had attempted to hide from the landlord the assignment of the premises to his company or its shared occupation. The judge had found a sharing of occupation. Held: The tenant’s appeal succeeded. The … Continue reading Akici v LR Butlin Ltd: CA 2 Nov 2005

Forcelux Ltd, Re an Appeal Against A Decision of the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal: LT 20 Jan 2004

LT Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 s.18 – Law of Property Act 1925 s.146 – Housing Act 1996 ss.81 and 82 – jurisdiction of LVT — covenant to pay costs in preparing notices under s.146 – Meaning of ‘service charge’ — landlord’s costs of management — Forcelux v Sweetman not followed Citations: [2004] EWLands LRX … Continue reading Forcelux Ltd, Re an Appeal Against A Decision of the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal: LT 20 Jan 2004

Hamden Homes Ltd, Re: LT 12 Dec 2001

RESTRICTIVE COVENANT – restriction to one dwelling house per plot – application to amend this limitation to permit erection on one plot of detached and two semi-detached houses, possibly as part of a larger development – not all proposed development site owned by applicant – whether proposed use reasonable – whether restriction obsolete – whether … Continue reading Hamden Homes Ltd, Re: LT 12 Dec 2001

Sommer and Another v Sweet and Another: CA 10 Mar 2005

The claimants had sought entry into theirs and their neighbour’s registered land titles of entries to acknowledge their rights of way. The neighbours appealed the finding of a right of way of necessity and by proprietary estoppel, and an order for rectification. Held: The appeal failed. The restriction on rectifying the register contained in section … Continue reading Sommer and Another v Sweet and Another: CA 10 Mar 2005

Scribes West Ltd v Relsa Anstalt and others: CA 20 Dec 2004

The claimant challenged the forfeiture of its lease by a freeholder which had acquired the registered freehold title but had not yet registered its ownership. The second defendant had forfeited the lease by peacable re-entry for arrears of rent, and created a further lease. Held: The judge was right to hold that, following the transfer, … Continue reading Scribes West Ltd v Relsa Anstalt and others: CA 20 Dec 2004

Blumenthal v The Church Commissioners for England: CA 13 Dec 2004

The respondent argued that the power given to the Lands Tribunal by the section, did not extend to a power to vary a positive covenant. Held: It could not be right to construe the obligation in the lease as a positive obligation rendering the tenant liable to finding himself in breach of covenant in circumstances … Continue reading Blumenthal v The Church Commissioners for England: CA 13 Dec 2004

Customs and Excise v Barclays Bank Plc: CA 22 Nov 2004

The claimant had obtained judgment against customers of the defendant, and then freezing orders for the accounts. The defendants inadvertently or negligently allowed sums to be transferred from the accounts. The claimants sought repayment by the bank. Held: The bank was liable. ‘a duty ought to be imposed on the Bank, towards claimants who have … Continue reading Customs and Excise v Barclays Bank Plc: CA 22 Nov 2004

Kilcarne Holdings Ltd v Targetfollow (Birmingham) Ltd, Targetfollow Group Ltd: ChD 9 Nov 2004

The defendant entered into an agreement for lease, incurring substantial obligations. When it could not meet them it sought assistance from the claimant, who now claimed to have an interest in a joint venture. The draft documentation originally suggested a loan, but then changed. Disagreements persisted after completion. Held: There was insufficient agreement to constitute … Continue reading Kilcarne Holdings Ltd v Targetfollow (Birmingham) Ltd, Targetfollow Group Ltd: ChD 9 Nov 2004

Wellington Properties Ltd v Second Duke of Westminster, Trustees of The Will of and Another: ChD 13 Nov 2018

Appeal by the Defendants against an order declaring that the flank wall of 39HP which adjoins the Garden is a party wall within the meaning of section 38(1) of the 1925 Act and of section 20 of the 1996 Act. The issue on the appeal is whether the judge was right to make those declarations … Continue reading Wellington Properties Ltd v Second Duke of Westminster, Trustees of The Will of and Another: ChD 13 Nov 2018

Firstdale Ltd v Quinton: ComC 5 Aug 2004

In the course of a long dispute, the defendant’s solicitors had indicated that they would accept service of proceedings. Just before the limitation period expired, the papers were served directly in the client. The defendants solicitors said that this was invalid service, and that later service out of time could not revive the claim. Held: … Continue reading Firstdale Ltd v Quinton: ComC 5 Aug 2004

Ealing Family Housing Association Ltd v McKenzie: CA 10 Oct 2003

The defendant and his wife separated when she left the flat they shared. She accepted a new tenancy of other premises. The landlord claimed possession of the flat, saying that the tenancy had ended. Held: There was no express surrender within the 1989 Act. The landlord claimed an implied surrender under the 1925 Act. That … Continue reading Ealing Family Housing Association Ltd v McKenzie: CA 10 Oct 2003

Smith v Muscat: CA 10 Jul 2003

The tenant was sued by his landlord for arrears of rent, but sought an equitable set-off for damages for disrepair accruing under the previous landlord. Held: If the entitlement to recover arrears of rent passes from assignor to assignee, and if the amount of that entitlement is reduced or extinguished at common law by money … Continue reading Smith v Muscat: CA 10 Jul 2003

Roland Brandwood and others v Bakewell Management Ltd: CA 30 Jan 2003

House owners had used vehicular access across a common to get to their houses for many years. The commons owner required them to purchase the right, and they replied that they had acquired the right by lost modern grant and/or by prescription. Held: The use of a right of way over a common by vehicles … Continue reading Roland Brandwood and others v Bakewell Management Ltd: CA 30 Jan 2003

Williams, Williams v Kiley T/A CK Supermarkets Limited: CA 21 Nov 2002

Tenants in a shopping precinct sought to enforce restrictive covenants directly against other tenants. Held: The leases were in the same form, and covenants had been imposed to restrict the uses to avoid conflict. The scheme had the characteristics required of a letting scheme. It was not necessary to look beyond the leases themselves. The … Continue reading Williams, Williams v Kiley T/A CK Supermarkets Limited: CA 21 Nov 2002

City of London Building Society v Flegg And Another: HL 14 May 1987

A couple bought a property and registered it in their own names with substantial financial assistance from the parents of one of them. The parents occupied the house with them. Without telling the parents, the owners borrowed again, executing further charges. Held: The fact of occupation did not add to the parents’ rights as equitable … Continue reading City of London Building Society v Flegg And Another: HL 14 May 1987

Mortgage Corporation Ltd v Shaire and Another: ChD 25 Feb 2000

The claimant had an equitable charge over the property, and sought a possession order after failures to keep up repayments. The order was sought under the Act, and the claimants asserted that the conditions for the grant of possession were unchanged. Held: Parliament had clearly intended a change. The interests of a chargee ranked alongside … Continue reading Mortgage Corporation Ltd v Shaire and Another: ChD 25 Feb 2000

Morrells of Oxford Ltd v Oxford United Football Club Ltd and Others: CA 21 Jul 2000

A covenant on the sale of land for a public house provided that the vendor should not permit the building of licensed premises within half a mile. Held: The covenant operated personally only. The covenants which might be implied by the section to bind successors in title also, could not be implied where the commercial … Continue reading Morrells of Oxford Ltd v Oxford United Football Club Ltd and Others: CA 21 Jul 2000

Morgan v Liverpool Corporation: CA 1927

The tenant claimed that he had been injured when as the upper portion of a window was being opened one of the cords of the window sash broke and the top part of the window slipped down and caught and injured his hand. The plaintiff admitted that the defect was latent one (of which the … Continue reading Morgan v Liverpool Corporation: CA 1927

Bettison and others v Langton and others: HL 17 May 2001

A right to pasture animals on a common had been levant and couchant, and as such was inalienable as a separate asset from the land where the animals were kept. The right was registered under the Act, and was thereby transformed into a right to graze a certain number of animals on the common. That … Continue reading Bettison and others v Langton and others: HL 17 May 2001

Ashworth Frazer Limited v Gloucester City Council: HL 8 Nov 2001

A lease contained a covenant against assignment without the Landlord’s consent, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld. The tenant asserted, pace Killick, that the landlord could not refuse consent on the grounds that the proposed tenant might not comply with the terms of the lease, and that the building obligation operated as a use … Continue reading Ashworth Frazer Limited v Gloucester City Council: HL 8 Nov 2001

Daulia Ltd v Four Millbank Nominees Ltd: 1978

In a contract the Defendants promised certain properties to whoever first arrived with the requisite draft contract and bankers drafts. The Plaintiffs did. Held: They failed in their claim. It involved a unilateral contract and the Defendants’ oral promises was expressly made subject to contract, but the Court decided the dispute by reference to the … Continue reading Daulia Ltd v Four Millbank Nominees Ltd: 1978

Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Ltd, Regina (on The Application of) v Wolverhampton City Council and Another: SC 12 May 2010

The appellant’s land was to be taken under compulsory purchase by the Council who wished to use it to assist Tesco in the construction of a new supermarket. Tesco promised to help fund restoration of a local listed building. Sainsbury objected an now appealed against the Court of Appeal’s overturning of the orer in its … Continue reading Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Ltd, Regina (on The Application of) v Wolverhampton City Council and Another: SC 12 May 2010

MacDonald and Another v Carnbroe Estates Ltd: SC 4 Dec 2019

‘This appeal concerns the Scots law of gratuitous alienations on insolvency. It raises three principal questions. First, there is a question as to the interpretation of the term ‘adequate consideration’ in section 242(4)(b) of the Insolvency Act 1986. Secondly, there is the question whether the Inner House was entitled to interfere with the Lord Ordinary’s … Continue reading MacDonald and Another v Carnbroe Estates Ltd: SC 4 Dec 2019

Les Laboratoires Servier and Another v Apotex Inc and Others: SC 29 Oct 2014

Ex turpi causa explained The parties had disputed the validity a patent and the production of infringing preparations. The english patent had failed and damages were to be awarded, but a Canadian patent remained the defendant now challenged the calculation of damages for what it said would have been an infringing trade, and pleaded ex … Continue reading Les Laboratoires Servier and Another v Apotex Inc and Others: SC 29 Oct 2014

Dimsdale Developments (South East) Ltd v De Haan: 1983

The court considered the interpretation of clauses allowing a notice to complete a contract for the sale of land. Godfrey QC said: ‘In my judgment this notice, served as it was under cover of the letter of November 10, 1981, referring to the National Conditions of Sale, and referring as it did to the contract … Continue reading Dimsdale Developments (South East) Ltd v De Haan: 1983

Bakewell Management Limited v Brandwood and others: HL 1 Apr 2004

Houses were built next to a common. Over many years the owners had driven over the common. The landowners appealed a decision that they could not acquire a right of way by prescription over the common because such use had been unlawful as a criminal offence under section 193 of the Law of Property Act … Continue reading Bakewell Management Limited v Brandwood and others: HL 1 Apr 2004

Wilson v Secretary of State for Trade and Industry; Wilson v First County Trust Ltd (No 2): HL 10 Jul 2003

The respondent appealed against a finding that the provision which made a loan agreement completely invalid for lack of compliance with the 1974 Act was itself invalid under the Human Rights Act since it deprived the respondent lender of its property rights. It was also argued that it was not possible to make a declaration … Continue reading Wilson v Secretary of State for Trade and Industry; Wilson v First County Trust Ltd (No 2): HL 10 Jul 2003

Bacchus v Maduro: LRA 21 Dec 2017

Beneficial Interests, Trusts and Restrictions : SeveranceThe Applicant bought a house together with the Respondent’s mother as joint tenants in 1966, and both lived in separate parts. They were not related nor were they in a relationship. Solicitors acting for Respondent and her mother purportedly sent a notice severing the tenancy in November 1995. This … Continue reading Bacchus v Maduro: LRA 21 Dec 2017

Midland Bank Ltd v Farmpride Hatcheries: CA 1980

A mortgage had been granted, but a twenty year rent free licence had not been disclosed. The bank came to seek possession, and was met with the assertion of the licence. The court at first instance had refused an injunction, saying that the appellant had behaved unconscionably in failing to disclose the licence. Held: The … Continue reading Midland Bank Ltd v Farmpride Hatcheries: CA 1980

Turner and Another v Pryce and others: ChD 9 Jan 2008

The claimants asserted that they had the benefit of restrictive covenants under a building scheme to prevent the defendants erecting more houses in their neighbouring garden. The defendants pointed to alleged breaches of the same scheme by the claimants. Held: There was not only an intention to create a building scheme but also a clearly … Continue reading Turner and Another v Pryce and others: ChD 9 Jan 2008

Siskina (owners of Cargo lately on Board) v Distos Compania Naviera SA: HL 1979

An injunction was sought against a Panamanian ship-owning company to restrain it from disposing of a fund, consisting of insurance proceeds, in England. The claimant for the injunction was suing the company in a Cyprus court for damages and believed the company to have no other assets from which to meet the hoped-for damages award … Continue reading Siskina (owners of Cargo lately on Board) v Distos Compania Naviera SA: HL 1979

Robinson v Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police: SC 8 Feb 2018

Limits to Police Exemption from Liability The claimant, an elderly lady was bowled over and injured when police were chasing a suspect through the streets. As they arrested him they fell over on top of her. She appealed against refusal of her claim in negligence. Held: Her appeal succeeded. It is normally only in a … Continue reading Robinson v Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police: SC 8 Feb 2018

Hertfordshire Police v Van Colle; Smith v Chief Constable of Sussex Police: HL 30 Jul 2008

Police Obligations to Witnesses is Limited A prosecution witness was murdered by the accused shortly before his trial. The parents of the deceased alleged that the failure of the police to protect their son was a breach of article 2. Held: The House was asked ‘If the police are alerted to a threat that D … Continue reading Hertfordshire Police v Van Colle; Smith v Chief Constable of Sussex Police: HL 30 Jul 2008

Medical Justice, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for The Home Department: Admn 26 Jul 2010

The claimant, a charity assisting immigrants and asylum seekers, challenged a policy document regulating the access to the court of failed applicants facing removal. They said that the new policy, reducing the opportunity to appeal to 72 hours or less, made ineffective any right for judicial review. Held: The request was granted, and the 2010 … Continue reading Medical Justice, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for The Home Department: Admn 26 Jul 2010

Lloyds Bank plc v Rosset: CA 13 May 1988

Claim by a wife that she has a beneficial interest in a house registered in the sole name of her husband and that her interest has priority over the rights of a bank under a legal charge executed without her knowledge. The case raises a point of importance in the law of registered conveyancing. Shortly … Continue reading Lloyds Bank plc v Rosset: CA 13 May 1988

Stodday Land Ltd and Another v Pye: ChD 7 Oct 2016

The agricultural landlord sold part of his land subject to the respondent’s tenancy to the appellant. Before the transfer was registered, notices to quit were served by both the landlord and his buyer. The tenant challenged both notices in the County court, against whose finding and order that the notices were invalid, both defendants now … Continue reading Stodday Land Ltd and Another v Pye: ChD 7 Oct 2016

Clarence House Ltd v National Westminster Bank Plc: CA 8 Dec 2009

The defendant tenants, anticipating that the landlord might delay or refuse consent to a subletting entered into a ‘virtual assignment’ of the lease, an assignment in everything but the deed and with no registration. The lease contained a standard form prohibition against assignments or sub-letting. The defendants now appealed against a finding that they were … Continue reading Clarence House Ltd v National Westminster Bank Plc: CA 8 Dec 2009

Edwards v Kumarasamy: SC 13 Jul 2016

The claimant sub-tenant had been injured entering the block of apartments. He said that the freeholder was responsible despite no report of the disrepair having been made. The lease excused the landlord from unnotified liability. The parties acknowledged that section 11 of the 1985 Act could not be set aside by the contract. Held: The … Continue reading Edwards v Kumarasamy: SC 13 Jul 2016

Trustee Solutions Ltd and others v Dubery and Another: ChD 21 Jun 2006

The rules of a pensions scheme were altered. It was required that any such alteration be in writing, but the trustees had not signed the document creating the amendment. Held: The words ‘writing under hand’ clearly required a signature, and the amendment was ineffective. No estoppel arose as against the members: ‘An avoidance of pedantry, … Continue reading Trustee Solutions Ltd and others v Dubery and Another: ChD 21 Jun 2006

JSC BTA Bank v Ablyazov: SC 21 Oct 2015

The court was asked as to the interpretation and application of the standard form freezing order. In the course of long-running litigation between JSC BTA Bank and Mr Ablyazov the Bank had obtained a number of judgments against the respondent amounting in all to US$4.4 billion, none of which had been satisfied. The bank appealed … Continue reading JSC BTA Bank v Ablyazov: SC 21 Oct 2015

Roberts and Others v Keegan (Rentcharges : Nature and Extent): LRA 1 Oct 2014

LRA A lease created by the owner of a rentcharge pursuant to section 121 of the Law of Property Act 1925 is not registrable as a lease at HM Land Registry but is a mortgage which can only be protected on the register by a notice at least where the rentcharge is to end in … Continue reading Roberts and Others v Keegan (Rentcharges : Nature and Extent): LRA 1 Oct 2014

Bath Rugby Ltd v Greenwood and Others: CA 21 Dec 2021

This appeal concerns the question whether an area of land in Bath known as the Recreation Ground, commonly called ‘the Rec’, is still subject to a restrictive covenant imposed in a conveyance of the Rec dated 6 April 1922 (‘the 1922 conveyance’). That turns on the question whether there is anyone who can now claim … Continue reading Bath Rugby Ltd v Greenwood and Others: CA 21 Dec 2021

Crest Nicholson Residential (South) Ltd v McAllister: ChD 18 Nov 2002

A vendor/purchaser covenant was not to use the premises, ‘for any purpose other than those of or in connection with a private dwellinghouse.’ The parties requested the court to construe its meaning. The meaning had been considered before and settled although it was said that the words remained ambiguous. Held: There was a substantial advantage … Continue reading Crest Nicholson Residential (South) Ltd v McAllister: ChD 18 Nov 2002

Barrett v Robinson: UTLC 29 Jul 2014

UTLC LANDLORD AND TENANT – administration charges – covenant to pay costs of proceedings – whether costs incurred ‘in or in contemplation of’ proceedings under s.146, Law of Property Act 1925 – Freeholders of 69 Marina v Oram considered – s.81, Housing Act 1996 – ss.167-169, Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002 – appeal allowed … Continue reading Barrett v Robinson: UTLC 29 Jul 2014

Harbour Estates Limited v HSBC Bank Plc: ChD 15 Jul 2004

The lease contained a break clause. The parties disputed whether the benefit of the clause was personal to the orginal lessee, or whether it touched and concerned the land, and therefore the benefit of it passed with the land. Held: The defendant was entitled to exercise and did validly exercise the break clause. The purpose … Continue reading Harbour Estates Limited v HSBC Bank Plc: ChD 15 Jul 2004

Bakewell Management Ltd v Brandwood and Others: ChD 21 Mar 2002

The claimant sought a declaration that he had acquired an easement over land by driving over it, over several years. The land owner denied the easement, saying that section 193 made the claimant’s activity a crime, and that, following Hanning, criminal activity could not be used to found a claim of adverse possession. The claimant … Continue reading Bakewell Management Ltd v Brandwood and Others: ChD 21 Mar 2002

Edlington Properties Limited v J H Fenner and Co Limited: CA 22 Mar 2006

The landlord had assigned the reversion of the lease. There was an outstanding dispute with the tenant defendant who owed arrears of rent, but sought to set these off against a claim for damages for the landlord’s failure to construct the factory in the first place. Held: The new landlord was not liable for the … Continue reading Edlington Properties Limited v J H Fenner and Co Limited: CA 22 Mar 2006

Simmons v British Steel plc: HL 29 Apr 2004

The claimant was injured at work as a consequence of the defender’s negligence. His injuries became more severe, and he came to suffer a disabling depression. Held: the Inner House had been wrong to characterise the Outer House decision as incorrect. Since the pursuer suffered physical injuries the starting point is that he was a … Continue reading Simmons v British Steel plc: HL 29 Apr 2004

Golden Ocean Group Ltd v Salgaocar Mining Industries Pvt Ltd and Another: ComC 21 Jan 2011

The defendants sought to set aside orders allowing the claimants to serve proceedings alleging repudiation of a charterparty in turn allowing a claim against the defendants under a guarantee. The defendant said the guarantee was unenforceable under the 1677 Act not being in writing and signed. Held: There was no limit to the number of … Continue reading Golden Ocean Group Ltd v Salgaocar Mining Industries Pvt Ltd and Another: ComC 21 Jan 2011

Cook v The Mortgage Business Plc: CA 24 Jan 2012

The land owners sought relief from possession orders made under mortgages given in equity release schemes: ‘If the purchaser raises all or part of the purchase price on mortgage, and then defaults, the issue arises whether the mortgagee’s right to possession has priority over, or is subject to, any entitlement of the vendor to continue … Continue reading Cook v The Mortgage Business Plc: CA 24 Jan 2012

Total Network Sl v Revenue and Customs: HL 12 Mar 2008

The House was asked whether an action for unlawful means conspiracy was available against a participant in a missing trader intra-community, or carousel, fraud. The company appealed a finding of liability saying that the VAT Act and Regulations contained the entire regime. Held: Criminal conduct at common law or by statute can constitute unlawful means … Continue reading Total Network Sl v Revenue and Customs: HL 12 Mar 2008

Alexander-David v London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham: CA 1 Apr 2009

The authority was required to provide housing to the minor applicant, but she was too young to hold a legal estate. An equitable lease had been created, and she now appealed against an order for possession having broken the terms of the agreement, saying that the authority was in practice trustee for the tenant, and … Continue reading Alexander-David v London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham: CA 1 Apr 2009